Two Illinois high school boys basketball HCs serving suspensions tied to illegal scrimmage

According to a report by the Chicago Sun-Times, two Illinois high school boys basketball head coaches are serving 4-game suspensions due to an illegal scrimmage.

Per the report, Kenwood and Leo both faced each other in a preseason scrimmage that took place on Nov. 2, which was one day before the date that the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) allows teams to begin practicing.

Kenwood Academy head coach Mohammed Cookbey and Leo Catholic head coach Jimalle Ridley, respectively, will both serve four-game suspensions and each program is limited to playing 30 games for the entire 2025-26 season.

“Leo follows the rules,” Ridley said in the report in a statement given to the Chicago Sun-Times.

“I did not on this occasion. I was wrong. I take full responsibility for my actions. I had an error in judgment. My actions alone. I took the suspension, which was torture for me. We have good kids from even greater families. I’m proud to be their coach. Over time I hope to regain the trust of all of them and our school administration who has been firm but understanding. There will never be another rule broken from me or our basketball program, you can bet on that.”

Cookbey began his 4-game suspension last week as Kenwood opened up the season with a 50-35 victory over St. Francis de Sales.

On the other side of the spectrum for Leo, the Lions have already played four games this season, going 4-0 in that stretch. The first game Ridley would be eligible to return to the bench for Leo would be tonight against Brooks.

How to Follow Illinois High School Boys Basketball

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